BJP hits back at Rahul Gandhi for likening Narendra Modi with Hitler

As Rahul Gandhi scaled up his attack on Narendra Modi, senior BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu today dismissed as "absurd" his remarks likening its prime ministerial candidate to Adolf Hitler and accused Congress of bringing down the level of public discourse.

"... they (Congressmen) are the followers of Hitler... It is an absurd allegation," he told reporters here, responding to Rahul's piercing attack on Modi on his home turf where he also ridiculed his development model.

Naidu said it was Congress which imposed the Emergency and put lakhs of political workers and leaders like Jayprakash Narain behind the bars.

He also hit back at Rahul for linking the RSS with the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, saying, "They (Congress) are killing Gandhi day in and day out by murdering his principles."

"First thing Gandhi said after Independence is-- disband Congress," Naidu said, adding, he also talked about going back to villages, banning religious conversions and common civil code. But they never bothered about what Gandhi said.

He said Modi was "unstoppable" and Congress was becoming "more and more untouchable." "Nobody wants to be seen with Congress. Though we don't like the word untouchability, Congress is becoming more and more untouchable." Naidu said Congress was indulging in "cheap and dirty politics".

"They are desperate and they are bringing down the level of public discourse."

Criticising the appointment of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit as Kerala Governor after the poll code of conduct had come into effect, Naidu said it was "immoral and against all ethics".

He alleged that Dikshit's appointment was only to protect her from being prosecuted on scams like CWG. Once NDA comes to power, such appointments would be reviewed, he said.

Dismissing reports of tug of war within senior BJP leaders on the issue of Varanasi and Lucknow seats, Naidu said once the party decides, everyone will follow it.

"There is no difference of opinion. It is only in media reports." The reported controversy over who will contest from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency had found its echo at BJP's Central Election Committee meeting last week. Some members had reportedly sought clarity as to whether Joshi would be moved from Varanasi and Modi would contest from there.